16/10/2026
Two rich traditions. One shared vision. 🇮🇳🇿🇦🌿
The Consulate General of India (CGI), Durban, in partnership with the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the CRL Rights Commission, Government of South Africa, organised the inaugural India–South Africa Traditional Medicines Symposium & Exhibition in Durban on 10–11 October 2026.
The symposium brought together government leaders, policymakers, traditional health practitioners, researchers and businesses to explore synergies between India’s AYUSH systems and South African traditional medicine, with a focus on knowledge exchange, research, safety, regulation, holistic wellbeing, trade and investment.
Opening remarks were delivered by Consul General Shri Niteen Subhash Yeola, alongside Ms Banu Prakash, Deputy High Commissioner of India; Ms Thoko Xaluva Mkhwanazi, Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission; and Ms Thandaza Shandu, DDG, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The programme featured presentations by Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Ayush; Mr Fhatuwani Bruce Mbedzi, Director, Department of Health; Ms Sheila Mbele, Chairperson, Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa; Dr N. S. Sarin, Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine; Dr Shobhit Kumar, OSD (Health), NITI Aayog; and Dr Shalin Bharati, Arujiva Ayurveda Hospital.
H.E. Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, delivered the keynote address and inaugurated the exhibition, featuring over 20 organisations, including nine from India. Panel discussions explored research, evidence-based practices and regulatory cooperation, while B2B engagements advanced commercial opportunities, including an MoU between Arujiva Ayurveda and Naturopathy Hospital, India, and Lady Bird Travel, South Africa. Mr Nihar Pattnaik, President, CII–India Business Forum, also shared insights on the South African market and business partnerships.
A key milestone was the inauguration of the AYUSH Information Cell at CGI Durban by H.E. Narend Singh, Ms Monalisa Dash, Acting High Commissioner Ms Banu Prakash and Consul General Shri Niteen Subhash Yeola. Supported by the Ministry of Ayush, the Cell will promote AYUSH information, activities and engagement across KwaZulu-Natal and neighbouring provinces. An Ayurveda garden was also inaugurated at the historic Phoenix Settlement by Hon’ble Ela Gandhi, Ms Monalisa Dash, Ms Banu Prakash and Shri Niteen Subhash Yeola, highlighting medicinal plants, biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Chair yoga sessions on both days showcased yoga’s contribution to accessible, holistic wellbeing.
The symposium reaffirmed India and South Africa’s commitment to preserving traditional knowledge, strengthening institutional partnerships and translating dialogue into meaningful cooperation in traditional healthcare, research, trade and investment.
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
Ministry of Ayush, Government of India
India in South Africa (High Commission of India, Pretoria)
Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India
Indian Council For Cultural Relations
